Boosting Library Access through Student Folders
San Jose Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
San José Public Library partnered with San José Unified School District to create a take-home folder for all K-8 students, reminding both students and teachers that every student is automatically enrolled in the Student Library Card initiative, which provides free access to library resources and services. Designed and translated by the Library in English and Spanish, the folder includes library card benefits, login instructions, and space to write the card number. Used district-wide throughout the school year, it integrates library access into daily routines, boosting awareness, usage, and school-library connections.
Challenge/Opportunity
San José Public Library (SJPL) issued nearly 100,000 digital Student Library Cards across 19 school districts, granting all TK–12 grade students free access to library resources and services. However, early usage remained low. Students often forgot they had a digital card, and educators struggled to maintain awareness throughout the school year. The main challenge was the lack of a physical presence in the daily lives of students. To address this, SJPL proposed piloting an innovative approach with San José Unified School District (SJUSD), the city’s largest district, by designing the district’s official take-home folder - used daily to carry homework and school notices. The folder would serve as a constant reminder to students, families, and educators that all students have free access to SJPL services through their Student Library Card.
Key Elements of Innovation
Once the District approved the idea, San José Public Library (SJPL) led the design of a bilingual (English/Spanish) take-home folder featuring Student Library Card branding, family-friendly messaging, and clear instructions on how to access and use the card. The folder included key benefits, space to write the card number, and prominently highlighted the partnership between SJPL and SJUSD. Over 22,000 folders were distributed to every TK-8 grade student, making the digital card a visible, daily presence in homes and classrooms. Implementation also included banners, posters, presentations, and a joint communications campaign to reinforce awareness. This approach made a digital resource feel tangible and actionable. By embedding library access into a familiar school tool, SJPL achieved its goal to introduce a replicable, equity-focused model that increased visibility, strengthened school-library collaboration, and expanded access to free library services for thousands of students.
Achieved Outcomes
The Student Library Card folder campaign led to a nearly 30% increase in card usage compared to the previous school year, despite a 3.36% drop in district enrollment. Web traffic to the card’s page jumped nearly 45%, with a 406% increase in Spanish-language views, highlighting effective bilingual outreach. SJUSD invited SJPL to present to educators and sent an e-newsletter to 28,000 parents featuring the folder. SJPL reached 144,000 newsletter subscribers, and both partners promoted the folder to a combined total of 31,482 followers on social media. Educators and parents shared their appreciation and excitement about the folder for its clarity and usefulness. Key metrics include distribution (22,000+ folders), usage rates, web traffic, and engagement. This innovative concept strengthened the library-district partnership, boosted awareness of Student Library Card access, and led to continued adoption of the folder as the exclusive take-home student folder for the following school year.
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